Building Near Body Of Water photo by Dominika Gregušová-Pexels.

10 Reasons Why you should take a Free Tour in Budapest


 

Budapest is one of those locations that everybody raves about, which is the interesting thing about it. However, is it really worthwhile to include it on your bucket list? Budapest is one of the most stunning, peculiar, and crazy cities in all of Europe, so you must believe the hype.

It’s obvious why this area is a backpacker’s Havana given its amazing nightlife, unique atmosphere, and inexpensive alcohol. Here are the top 10 reasons to take a free tour in Budapest:

1. Its Ruin bars

Romkocsma Szimpla Kert Budapest photo by Yelkrokoyade-Wikimedia Commons.

Budapest’s ruin bars are a unique concept in entertainment and nightlife that must be experienced. The bars in the old Jewish neighborhood are, as their name implies, bars that have been put up in old abandoned buildings.

These bars are not at all dismal, despite the fact that it could sound that way. These are endearing, personable locations where young artists leave their imprint with unique, striking décor.

Even the furniture is eccentric, collected from various locations to match the space’s bohemian vibe. So each bar has a distinctive style, so it can be worthwhile to check out a few to compare depending on how much time you have.

read more about the TEN PRODIGIOUS RUIN BARS IN BUDAPEST. 

2. The Jewish heritage

Body of Water Near Building photo by Timi Keszthelyi-Pexels.

One of Middle and Eastern Europe’s largest Jewish populations is found in Budapest. Naturally, the Jewish Quarter is located in the City Center and is home to a rich religious, historical, and cultural history.

There are still numerous objects to be found that will give you a look into the once vibrant Jewish life despite the neighborhood’s recent rapid change and modernization. The Dohany Street Synagogue is the biggest synagogue in Europe, and it is located in the Jewish Quarter.

The Jewish Museum, the Jewish Cemetery, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park and more are all located inside the synagogue. The Holocaust Memorial Center, which honors the horrors the Jewish community endured during World War II, is another important site to see.

book with us on a BUDAPEST JEWISH QUARTER FREE WALKING TOUR.

3. It has many Museums

White And Brown Concrete Building photo by Nextvoyage-Pexels.

Budapest offers about 100 museums that will give you a greater understanding of the culture of the country, which is not surprising given the turbulent past of Hungary.

Everybody can find something to enjoy. The Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Museum of Fine Arts are three must-see locations for art enthusiasts.

Both the Hungarian National Museum and the Budapest History Museum are a delight for history aficionados. The Holocaust Memorial Center, the Dohany Street Synagogue, and the Hungarian Jewish Museum are all must-see destinations for Holocaust enthusiasts.

Interestingly there is virtually a museum for every interest, including some unexpected ones like the Hospital in the Rock or the House of Terrors, which are both popular museums that focus on the fascist and communist eras as the name suggests, this used to be a treatment center in a natural cave.

learn more about the 20 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM BUDAPEST.

4. The Street Art

Modern Paint Art on Wall photo by Edoardo Colombo-Pexels.

Budapest takes street art to a higher level than most other big cities do. Beautiful and colorful paintings with frequently sociopolitical overtones may be found if you go around District VII.

Given that the seventh District includes a significant number of abandoned buildings, the vibrant street art, expertly crafted by both experienced and amateur graffiti masters and painters, brings the entire neighborhood to life.

5. Transportation simplicity  

Considering that most of Budapest’s top attractions, including clubs, museums, and thermal baths, are close by, strolling is probably the best method to explore the city.

Budapest boasts a pretty effective public transportation system, nevertheless, if walking isn’t your thing. The metro in Budapest will take you anyplace you need to go and is the fastest way.

The tram or yellow streetcars, trolleybuses, and buses are your options if you prefer the open road. Additionally, there is a ferry service that travels down the Danube Water, which is particularly enjoyable for tourists who want to explore the city from the river.

book with us on a BUDAPEST MEDIEVAL CASTLE FREE WALKING TOUR.

6. There are Hidden Courtyards

Budapest is known for having several magnificent structures rich in history and architectural beauty. Less well known is the fact that many of these structures conceal breathtaking courtyards with regal arches, commanding columns, stained glass windows that are works of beauty in and of themselves, and lovely ivy vines to complement it all.

Unfortunately, not all courtyards are accessible to the public, but there are many secret gardens that do, where guests may completely enjoy a variety of activities or simply a simple coffee in the midst of beauty.

Gozsdu Courtyard, located in the center of the Jewish district, is likely the most well-known of them all. It is made up of multiple interconnecting courtyards filled with taverns, pubs, restaurants, and even a Sunday market.

For a more private setting, however, Röser Courtyard in District V No. 22, Paloma Courtyard in District V No. 14–16, or one of the few secret courtyards along Muzeum Kört are also excellent options.

7. You will get to try the Hungarian National drink called Palinka

The national beverage of Hungary is palinka which is a fruit brandy. Oh, fruit brandy, how delicious, you could be thinking.

Palika shots are equivalent to gasoline shots when offered as a favor. Moreover, 60% of a shot is typically pure alcohol.

However, a trip to the city would be incomplete without trying the potent punch that palinka provides. Just be prepared for the neighborhood to chuckle if you start to look funny.

read more about THE BEST RIVER CRUISES IN BUDAPEST.

8. You will get to know about the Thermal baths

Budapest is known as the “City of Baths,” among other names. The capital is situated on an estimated 120 hot springs, which accounts for this. As early as the first century AD, people were taking advantage of these thermal waters’ advantages.

The baths bear the imprint of each person who settled here. Thermae Maiores, one of the Romans’ public baths, is still visible in its excavated ruins. The Romans were the first to use them.

The Ottomans were the next to enjoy the hot springs, and it’s remarkable to think that some of the baths they built are still in use today. The Austro-Hungarian Empire constructed some of the most opulent bathhouses at the start of the 20th century.

Additionally today, Budapest is home to nine different thermal spas, each with a unique personality. Szechenyi Bath, which opened its 18 pools in 1913, is the largest and most well-known. Another opulent thermal spa created in the art nouveau style in 1918 is Gellért Bath.

9. You will get to see the Amazing Architecture

The Hungarian capital will leave you dizzy with excitement if you appreciate architecture. The stunning structures in Budapest reflect the city’s lengthy history in terms of architectural design. Many facades exhibit the Baroque style, but beautiful churches with their imposing domes and opulent interiors are especially notable examples.

It is one of the most prevalent styles of architecture in Budapest, and the Royal Palace and the Church of St. Anna in Batthyány Square are two of its most notable examples. Both are must-see locations.

In addition, the majestic Budapest Opera House, the Hungarian Academy of Science, and St. Stephen’s Basilica are examples of beautiful Renaissance and Neo-Renaissance architecture. Classical and Neoclassical architecture are two further notable architectural eras.

The Chain Bridge is one of the most well-known examples, but other places worth visiting include the Lutheran Church in Esztergom, the Hungarian National Museum, and the Basilica in Esztergom.

10. You can’t run out of things to do

In addition to the sights, clubs, and museums, Budapest offers a wide variety of fairly awesome activities.

It’s quite difficult to run out of things to do, from caving to drinking in the ruin bars, and everything in between.

Of course, the ideal way to see Budapest if you only have a few nights there is to take a walking tour. Amazing tour guides are available on Budapest Free Walking Tours, which are also free.

Book with us on a BUDAPEST DOWNTOWN FREE WALKING TOUR.